Sadeghi M¹ (MSc), Haghdoost AA¹ (PhD), Gorjestani H² (DDS), Eghbal MJ³ (DDS), Pakshir HR⁴ (DDS), Shahravan A² * (DDS), Shoaei Sh² (DDS), Fazli M⁵ (DDS), Kharazi Fard MJ⁶ (DDS)

  ¹ Research Center for Modeling in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

  ² Kerman Oral and Dental Diseases Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

  ³ Endodontic Department, Dental School, Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

  ⁴ Orthodontic Department, Dental School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

  ⁵ Oral and Dental Health Center, Dental School, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran

  ⁶ Dental Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

  Received: 16 May 2013, Accepted: 31 Oct 2013

  Abstract

  Introduction: In recent years, Iran's scientific growth has been impressive. Despite increasing research outputs and number of researchers over the past few years, there are still several barriers in conducting research studies. This study aimed to investigate problems of and solutions to the research in dentistry in Iran.

  Methods: This qualitative study was carried out using nominal group technique in 2011.We invited 22 dentists, expert in managing academic institutes and research centers in local and national levels. The nominal group discussion was held in four stages: 1) listing the problems 2) classification of the problems 3) weighting the problems and 4) presenting solutions.

  Results: From 45 items outlined in the discussion group, 28 items were classified as internal policies and practices of the universities (weakness area), and 17 items were classified as out of university problems (threat area). In the weakness area, the means of the problem weight in both importance and influence dimensions were 11.73 and 12.74 out of 20, respectively. In the threat area, the means of the problem weight in both importance and influence dimensions were 9.89 and 10.12 out of 20, respectively. From 115 solutions provided by the participants, 72 ones were related to the weakness area and 43 ones were related to the threat areas. The results showed that establishing a research secretariat in order to identify dental research priorities (at national and local levels), promoting community-focused health, and conducting goal-based research were the most applicable solutions.

  Conclusion: The results showed that weakness area problems were most important than the threat area problems from the participants point of views. It seems that university management should design appropriate plans to help academic members become familiar with problems of the society and publish their research studies. Appropriate infrastructure should be provided to empower academic members of the universities such as giving incentives and facilitating rese3arch study processes.

  Key words: research, dentistry, Iran

  Please cite this article as follows:

  Sadeghi M, Haghdoost AA, Gorjestani H, Eghbal MJ, Pakshir HR, Shahravan A, et al. Research Problems and Solutions in Dentistry in Iran: a Qualitative Study. Hakim Research Journal 2014 16(4): 273- 284.

  * Corresponding Author: Jomhori Eslami Blvd, Shafa Blvd, Dental School, Endodontic Department, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran PO Box: 7618759689. E-mail: arashahravan@hotmail.com